Spanish health authorities have confirmed a new case of hantavirus connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, adding to an outbreak that has already claimed three lives this month.

The latest case involves a Spanish national who was evacuated from the cruise ship and subsequently tested positive for the virus. The confirmation comes as health officials continue to monitor passengers and crew members who were aboard the vessel during the outbreak.

The MV Hondius became the center of a hantavirus outbreak earlier this month that resulted in three deaths. Health authorities have been tracking potential cases among those who were on the ship during the affected period.

Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral infection that can cause severe respiratory illness. The virus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, though the specific source of the cruise ship outbreak has not been disclosed.

Spanish health officials are continuing their investigation into the outbreak and monitoring other individuals who may have been exposed while aboard the MV Hondius.